It is said that dogs are the best friend of a man. While a human body is susceptible to a plethora of diseases, pets are no exception especially dogs. So if your dog is itching constantly, chewing its paw uncontrollably or butt scooting frequently then it is time for you to come to its rescue as these are significant signs of yeast dermatitis or something which is commonly termed as yeast infection. Clinical term associated with yeast infection in dogs is called Malassezia which is scientifically accepted as an overgrowth of yeast around the paw, ear canals, armpits, jowls, anal area and other skins folds your pooch may have.

Causes of dog yeast infection

Malassezia is a normal inhabitant in a dog’s skin and hence there is no need for you to be panic stricken. However, the trouble in the paradise begins when the yeast overgrows into a pathogenic form because of certain factors causing various health risks.

Climate: Dog yeast infection is mainly caused by increased humidity or moisture in the atmosphere. Warmer environments are often a major cause of imbalance triggering manifestation of yeast infection in dogs.

Food: Depending upon the kind of diet your dog consumes possibility of yeast infection can be ascertained. Food rich in sugar and fructose often acts as yeast inducing factor encouraging infection to be spread throughout various parts of the body. Sweet potatoes and honey are few ingredients which act as a catalyst for a dog yeast infection.

Diseases: Sometimes unexpected reasons cause yeast infection to prevail and spread to different areas on a dog’s body. Like treatment for cancer involves chemotherapy which in turn affects the growth of yeast generating conditions prone to yeast infection. Hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease also overshoots yeast growth to cause infections.

Allergies: Another essential factor for accelerating fungal growth in dogs is allergy. Dogs that are allergic to fleas, contact or inhalants contribute to yeast infection around areas such as ears. Excessive use of steroids is also a vital factor leading to infectious Malassezia.

Skin Folds: Generally yeast infection is found to be breed specific and is mostly common among dogs with excessive skin folds such as pugs and bull dogs. The reason being excessive skin folds provide brooding ground for fungal growth and infections.

Criteria for shampoo selection

Anti-Fungal constituents: Yeast is a kind of Fungi and hence the most important thing to consider when selecting a shampoo is the mixture of anti-fungal components it offers. Shampoos with high antifungal and antibacterial properties must always be preferred as they tend to provide better dog yeast infection relief.

Natural ingredients: Use of chemically induced shampoos may strip your dog’s skin of its natural oil and color. It may also result in inflammation or burning of skin layer. Thus, it is imperative to adopt a shampoo made from natural ingredients to treat a yeast infection surrounding the skin of your dog.

Price: Often it may happen that shampoos render no change upon the underlying infection. This is because in some cases shampoos can’t treat a yeast infection and thereby need for a surgery is invoked. Therefore, it becomes necessary to spend very less amounts on a shampoo and experiment whether its use leads to satisfactory improvements or not. Buying expensive shampoos which tend not to affect the infection is utterly meaningless.

BEST SHAMPOOS TO TREAT YEAST INFECTION IN DOGS

Malaseb medicated shampoo

Malaseb medicated shampoo comes packed with a unique formulation of antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial agents. Besides these agents it also contains coat conditioners for optimal therapeutic effectiveness. Miconazole Nitrate and Chlorhexidine Gluconate are both present in 2% quantity as base components to tend to dermatologic infections. The directions to use this shampoo include wet coating and rinsing the shampoo of the dog’s skin. Normally it is instructed to repeat the procedure twice a week until the symptoms subside.

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Fifi and fido natural pet shampoo

Fifi and Fido natural pet shampoo consists of an enriching blend of oatmeal and aloe Vera extract. It is formulated with 100% natural ingredients especially for dogs. It tackles irritation of skin and removes harmful bacterial and fungal infections present in skin and ear areas of a dog. Apart from dealing with infections, this awesome solution also aims to restore natural oil of a dog’s skin. Another added benefit is that post usage it moisturizes the dry skin of your dog.

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Omegapet dog shampoo

Omegapet Dog Shampoo is made from a wealthy composition of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, Shea butter and oatmeal. This formula mainly used to treat itching skin caused by yeast or bacterial infection and restore the coating of your dog’s skin. The shampoo is free of irritants, harmful additives or preservatives, meaning it is100% natural. This shampoo is mostly preferred for dogs with sensitive skins as it restores the natural oils of a dog back to normal.

If you happen to be from Canada, you are better off getting this shampoo on this link , you will save a significant amount of money.

Home made Anti fungal shampoo

Home remedy is the best remedy or so they say. A homemade mixture of vinegar, water and dial antifungal is a common recipe to treat fungi and bacteria induced infections inflicted on a dog skin. Affordable and effective, this shampoo is mostly used to treat the 3I’s, itching, inflammation and infection.

To conclude Yeast infection if left unnoticed may elevate to severe health problems inflicting incredulous pain to your faithful buddy. Hence, it is paramount to treat the yeast infection as soon as it is observed. Keep a check for the underlying symptoms of yeast infection and choose the best shampoo to treat your dog accordingly. Tend to your dog at the time when it yearns for you the most. Afterall a friend is need is a friend indeed.